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The Orioles have designated Wilson Betemit for assignment in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for Henry Urrutia, who is returning from the restricted list, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).

Betemit, 31, missed the majority of the 2013 season with a knee injury and has seen very little action since returning to the club in late August. He's gone hitless in 10 plate appearances this season for the O's. However, in 2012, the switch-hitter slashed a solid .261/.322/.422 with 12 homers in 376 plate appearances. Thos numbers line up nicely with his career batting line of .267/.332/.442.

Betemit, originally signed by the Braves out of the Dominican Repupblic, has spent most of his career at third base but has seen time at all four infield positions and both corner outfield spots. That type of versatility, along with his switch-hitting capabilities, have made it relatively easy for him to find work over the course of his career.

This is a shame. I feel like Betemit got off to a bad start after he was forced into a role he had no business playing (third base full-time). If Wilson was able to play the role he should have been playing all along, this signing would probably go down better.